At Lindsworth School, Personal Development (PD) is central to the learning journey for all students across KS2, KS3 and KS4.

As a specialist SEMH setting, we recognise that every student arrives with their own experiences, strengths and challenges. Our approach is firmly rooted in the belief that “one size fits none” so we tailor our curriculum and support to meet the individual needs of each learner.

We are committed to helping pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives both now and in the future. Through a whole‑school approach, our PD curriculum nurtures the personal qualities and attributes that enable pupils to thrive as individuals, as members of their families, and as active, responsible citizens within their communities in modern Britain.

Our PD programme equips pupils with the tools to navigate the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will encounter as they grow up in an ever‑changing world. It supports them to make meaningful connections between their learning and real‑life situations, helping them to feel safe, confident and empowered. By providing personalised support and a curriculum that reflects their SEMH needs, we enable pupils to fulfil both their academic potential and their personal aspirations.

At Lindsworth we use Jigsaw resources for PSHE across the whole school. The PSHE units follow a spiral curriculum which enables children to revisit their understanding.

Living and learning in Birmingham, we ensure our pupils are supported within the realities of our local context, including:

• A highly diverse, multicultural community with a wide range of ethnic backgrounds
• Urban living, with the challenges and opportunities that come with a major city
• Higher‑than‑average levels of deprivation in some areas
• Increased exposure to youth violence, exploitation and gang‑related risks
• Mental health pressures linked to social, economic and environmental factors
• Concerns around healthy lifestyles, including nutrition and physical activity
• Variations in access to healthcare, including dental and oral health
• Complex family circumstances and housing instability affecting wellbeing

Together, these elements ensure that Personal Development at Lindsworth School is not just a curriculum area, but a meaningful, responsive and empowering part of every pupil’s school experience. By valuing individuality, embracing our local context and prioritising emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress, we prepare our young people to move forward with resilience, ambition and a strong sense of self. Our commitment is simple: to equip every learner with the confidence, skills and character they need to thrive both in school and in the wider world.